In Chesapeake, criminal charges under Va. Code Title 18.2 carry penalties up to 12 months jail for a Class 1 misdemeanor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed/not guilty. A Securities Fraud lawyer Chesapeake can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines criminal offenses under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Felony classifications range from Class 5 (1-10 years) to Class 6 (1-5 years). The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesapeake prosecutes all criminal cases in the city. An investment fraud defense lawyer Chesapeake can provide guidance on white-collar charges.
For official legal references, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Chesapeake General District Court website. An SEC violation lawyer Chesapeake can assist with federal securities matters.
Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. The court at 307 Albemarle Drive processes cases efficiently. First offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate for bond setting.
- Arraignment at Chesapeake General District Court within 72 hours.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
- Sentencing or dismissal based on outcome.
In Chesapeake, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from fines to jail time, depending on the classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault and Battery (§ 18.2-57) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Petit Larceny (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (over $1,000) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). Accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd). Serving Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier.
Criminal defense lawyer near Chesapeake — available 24/7.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Cases are heard at Chesapeake General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Chesapeake Circuit Court.
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Chesapeake are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.